Bachelor of Theology
The Bachelor of Theology is a programme that provides comprehensive training in theological studies, biblical studies and religious leadership. Offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, St Paul's University, Africa International University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Tanzania Methodist University and other faith-based institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in ministry, religious education and theological research.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 138,720 a year at a public institution, Ksh 554,880 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 208,800 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 3 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, part-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 18 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Applied Ethicist, at 20 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers systematic theology, biblical studies (Old and New Testament), church history, ethics, pastoral theology, homiletics, religious education, comparative religion, African religion, Hebrew, Greek, counselling, church leadership, mission studies, liturgy, research methods and a research project. Students develop theological knowledge and pastoral skills for religious leadership.
Kenya's diverse religious landscape and the role of faith communities in society create demand for theology graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, seminars, field placements in churches and communities, and research projects.
Graduates are prepared for careers as pastors, ministers, chaplains, religious educators, theologians, church administrators, counsellors, mission workers, researchers and interfaith coordinators. They work in churches, mosques, schools, universities, hospitals, military, NGOs, media and faith-based organisations.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in English or Kiswahili, and any other two subjects. KUCCPS Cluster 4.
Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.
What you study
10 subjects- Systematic Theology
- Biblical Studies
- Church History
- Ethics
- Pastoral Theology
- Homiletics
- Religious Education
- Comparative Religion
- African Religion
- Church Leadership
Modules
10 in the programmeSystematic Theology
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Theological doctrine. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ex...
Biblical Studies
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Old and New Testament. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...
Church History
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Historical development. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester ...
Ethics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Moral theology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinat...
Pastoral Theology
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Pastoral care. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinati...
Homiletics
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Preaching. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinations.
Religious Education
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Teaching religion. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exami...
Comparative Religion
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
World religions. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...
Church Leadership
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Ministry leadership. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exa...
Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Final year research project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...
Specialisations
Religious Education
Teaching religion. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Pastoral Ministry
Church ministry. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Church Administration
Church management. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Counselling
Pastoral counselling. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
A day as a student
A typical day involves attending theology lectures, studying biblical texts in original languages, researching church history, learning pastoral skills, studying ethics, participating in chapel services, discussing comparative religion, and working on theological research projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Spiritually fulfilling vocation | Limited secular job market |
| Transferable skills in counselling, ethics and leadership | Some roles have modest remuneration |
| Church sponsorships may be available | Requires language study (Hebrew, Greek) |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 188 arts & humanities coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
Moi 122,400/yr, Pwani 138,720/yr (KUCCPS). Kabarak 151,550/yr, CUEA 208,800/yr (fee schedules).
HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available. Churches and faith-based organisations frequently offer sponsorships.
Funding options
HELB Loan
County Bursaries
Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)
Church Sponsorships
Scholarships
5 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
St. Paul's University Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Students admitted to theology and related programmes at St. Paul's University
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
KUCCPS-placed students
Church and Denominational Scholarships
ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan
Sponsored theology students
Scholarships you could apply for
6 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in English or Kiswahili, and any other two subjects. Diploma in theology, religious studies or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.
When it next starts
Taught at 18 institutionsIncluding Kabarak University, Kenya Highlands Evangelical University, Scott Christian University.
Including Kabarak University, Kenya Highlands Evangelical University, Scott Christian University.
Including Kabarak University, Kenya Highlands Evangelical University, Scott Christian University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsField Placement
Practicum10% of the mark
Church and community placement
End of Semester Examinations
Written examination50% of the mark
End of semester written exams
Research Project
Project10% of the mark
Final year research project
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests and assignments
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Offered at UoN, KU, St Paul's, AIU, CUEA and other faith-based institutions. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in English or Kiswahili, and any other two subjects. KUCCPS Cluster 4.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesChurch Administrator
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 230,000
Church management
Chaplain
Low demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 220,000
Institutional chaplaincy
Counsellor
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 250,000
Pastoral counselling
Religious Educator
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Teaching (with PGDE)
Pastor
Low demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 200,000
Church ministry
Graduate outcomes
Graduates pursue careers as pastors, chaplains and religious educators in churches, schools, hospitals and faith-based organisations.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Applied EthicistArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- ChoreographerArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- Interfaith Dialogue FacilitatorArts & Humanities20Low exposure
- EpigrapherArts & Humanities22Low exposure
- Indigenous Knowledge SpecialistArts & Humanities22Low exposure
- Manuscript ConservatorArts & Humanities22Low exposure
- Museum EducatorArts & Humanities22Low exposure
- Theological ResearcherArts & Humanities22Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
SPSS
Data analysis
GIS Software
Crime mapping
Google Workspace
Collaboration
Microsoft Word
WritingPrimary
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Theology is only for those becoming priests or pastors.
The programme covers ethics, counselling, education and leadership applicable in many fields.
Theology has no career prospects.
Faith communities, schools, hospitals and NGOs employ theology graduates.
Theology is not a real academic discipline.
The programme is CUE-accredited with rigorous academic study including languages and research.
Theology is only for Christians.
The programme includes comparative religion and is open to all.